Despite the ongoing summer lull, this week brought some intriguing news. As always, we’ll recap the news for you in this post.
Homey Pro officially launched
Dutch company Athom officially launched the Homey Pro universal hub this week, which has the potential to replace numerous individual hubs. This powerhouse supports a variety of wireless standards, including Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Bluetooth and more. The manufacturer promises to support over 50,000 devices from over 1,000 manufacturers.
A software update for Thread support is planned for the third quarter. The Homey Pro can control devices locally and offers advanced automation options. Available for 399€, we will test the new hub in detail in the coming weeks.
Matter Update for Aqara Camera Hub G3 released
Aqara has released a firmware update for the Camera Hub G3 that adds support for the new Matter smarthome standard. However, this only affects the hub functionality, as Matter does not currently integrate security cameras. So while the camera cannot be used via Matter, the connected Zigbee devices are available via Matter.
Nevertheless, we do not recommend users who only use HomeKit to switch to the Matter integration for now, as native HomeKit devices currently offer more features.
Philips Hue plans to expand the product range
Philips Hue is preparing for a major product expansion. The new products include a comprehensive security system with four different surveillance camera models, starting at €199.95. In addition, a contact sensor is introduced that detects open doors or windows.
In addition, Philips Hue expands its lighting range with MR16 spots with GU5.3 base and launches a longer version of the Hue Festavia light chain. More details on the products are expected at this year’s IFA in early September in Berlin.
New HomeKit and Matter gateways available
The Brandenburg-based company LED-Trading has recently added two new smart home gateways to its range: the Gledopto Matter ZigBee gateway and the Azoula Zigbee HomeKit gateway from Sunricher.
While the Gledopto gateway offers compatibility with many smart home systems thanks to the Matter standard, the Azoula gateway can integrate up to 150 ZigBee devices into HomeKit, but does without the Matter standard.
First own HomeKit Smart Plug available from Hama
Hama, known for electronic accessories, this week added a HomeKit Smart Plug to its product portfolio. Although previous announcements indicated Matter support, this plug comes without Matter, but with native HomeKit functionality.
The Plug, controllable via various platforms, can handle loads up to 3,680W and is priced in the mid-range. When buying, care should be taken to really purchase the HomeKit version, as a non-HomeKit version is also available.
Matter support for Lidl’s Silvercrest smart home devices is on the horizon
Lidl has given its own app an update, hinting that Silvercrest Smarthome devices could soon get Matter support. Although there is no activation option for Matter in the app yet, the release notes suggest that this should change soon.
Many of the devices can already be used in HomeKit. In HomeDevices you will find an overview.
Matter bulb from Sengled launches in the U.S.
Sengled has introduced its first proprietary Matter-compatible light bulb in the US. The Matter Smart Wi-Fi LED Light Bulb with E27 socket supports over 16 million colors and offers realistic color rendering at a brightness of 800 lumens thanks to a CRI of 90.
“For $19.99, it’s available on Amazon.com, with a launch in other regions still pending.”
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